It's not the only record held by the former Marine

George Hood, 62 years old and a former Marine, holds the world’s record for the longest plank. Hood held the position for eight hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds — overturning the record set by the previous record holder, Chinese police officer Mao Weidong. (To be even more specific, the technical description of Hood’s record-setting feat was “the longest time in an abdominal plank position (male).”)

The earlier record — eight hours, one minute — eclipsed Mao’s earlier best time, which was longer than an earlier record-setting time of Hood’s. In 2011, Hood’s achievement was a little more modest: at that time, he held the plank for one hour and 20 minutes.

Turns out part of the answer is a time-tested one: he practiced. “To reclaim his world record, Hood spent the last 18 months training seven hours a day,” Diss writes. This includes 700 push-ups, 2,000 sit-ups and 500 leg squats each and every day, according to CNN’s report. Also in the mix: a daily regimen of 300 arm curls, usually accompanied by very loud music.

One recommendation from The Guardian that holds true even if you’re not looking to plank for hours on end:

Adding 10 seconds to your holds each day is a good way to ensure steady progression. It sounds easy but, for a simple exercise – get on the floor and don’t move – plenty can go wrong, and part of the reason we mess up is because of that simplicity.

Hood has also set records for the longest plank in a 24-hour period. According to a report on his victory from the Marine Corps Times, he holds a total of 12 word records. According to the same report, Hood dedicated his latest accomplishment to raising awareness of veterans’ mental health.